In the inaugural installment of We Are Not Enemies, we delved into Benjamin Franklin’s response when queried about the nature of the nation after signing the Constitution. His famous retort, “A republic, if you can keep it,” encapsulates both his optimism and acknowledgment of challenges.
Reportedly, during his final speech before the Constitutional Convention, Franklin emphasized the inevitability of human imperfections influencing governance. He remarked, “When you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men, all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views.” Despite these inherent flaws, Franklin expressed confidence that the drafted document surpassed any alternative.
Franklin’s vision for the United States rested on the conditional clause – “if you can keep it.” He foresaw a responsibility extending into the future, a duty for the American people to preserve the United States. As President Abraham Lincoln reiterated 76 years later, it remained “a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
The perspectives of Franklin and Lincoln persist. Our Republic – a government rooted in the people – has thrived for 247 years because individuals were diligent in its preservation.
Where does WANE fit into this historical narrative, and how does it relate to our current state of affairs? The foundational Scripture for WANE, 2 Chronicles 7:14, declares, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” In essence, IF God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wickedness, then God responds. He hears, forgives, and heals.
Just as in Franklin’s era, human imperfections cast a shadow over promises of perfection. However, the power to uphold the Republic still lies in the hands of “We the people,” synonymous with those engaged in the WANE movement. Franklin’s IF becomes our if. If we exercise humility, pray, seek God, and turn from the sins of unforgiveness, selfishness, and hate, THEN God will fulfill His promises. He will step in to help. Yet, the decision and outcome rest with us, subject to HIS IF.
What’s your response today? Will you join WANE in response to God’s IF?
Visit www.wearenotenemies.com to sign up.
Robyn Spradlin is a freelance journalist working as a contributor for Christian News Journal covering news and politics on the national and state levels. She has worked as a copywriter for Victory News on the Victory Channel since 2022. Robyn has an BA in Communication Studies and MA in Journalism from Regent University and is a member of the Evangelical Press Association. She is an author, evangelistic minister and a musician.